Rebecca Melaku

Academic Interests: Global Health and Biology majors, Chemistry minor

I’m from Indian Trail, NC (“Charlotte”), but my family is originally from Ethiopia in East Africa. Although I’ve spent most of my life in North Carolina, I’ve had a myriad of cross-cultural experiences that have shaped my perspectives and world views, from interacting with people from diverse backgrounds through community service and living abroad in Ethiopia for several months. Ultimately, I want to combine the advantage of having a strong relationship with my cultural heritage with the resources and opportunities I have in the United States, especially as a Duke student.

At Duke, I’m a consultant at the Writing Studio and a content creator for The Bridge, an online publication that uplifts the voices and talents of black and brown womxn. As part of a year-long Bass Connections research project, I helped develop a hydrogen stove prototype for use in rural communities where respiratory diseases are linked to indoor air pollution. I have cultivated my love for meeting new people from diverse backgrounds by serving as a First-Year Advisory Counselor, participating in the Global Engagement Program, and attending weekly English Conversation Clubs. My interest in STEM is grounded by my affinity to the humanities: as both a means of self-expression and as a medium through which to explore the world. In the future, I aspire to be a physician and global health researcher in low-resource communities, particularly in Ethiopia where my parents are originally from. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new places, listening to music, painting, and finding cool places to eat.